Uncertainty often leads to anxiety because the brain tends to fill in the gaps with worst-case scenarios. This can create a constant state of worry as the brain prepares for every possible negative outcome.
Social comparison is a natural part of human behavior. Remember, your journey is unique, and your worth is not determined by how you measure up to others. Focus on your personal growth, set meaningful goals, celebrate successes, and use social comparison as inspiration, not validation.
I’m not suggesting you wear rose-colored glasses, pretending the tough stuff doesn’t exist, but I am suggesting building a habit of realistic optimism. Realistic optimism is a mindset that combines a positive outlook with a grounded understanding of reality. It involves maintaining hope and confidence while acknowledging and accepting the challenges and uncertainties of life. Rather than denying or minimizing difficulties, realistic optimists approach situations with resilience, flexibility, and a belief in their ability to navigate obstacles effectively.
Our brain is continually growing and changing well into our nineties. Getting better at looking for, savoring, and sharing good experiences inclines your mind in that direction. Research has found that keeping a gratitude journal or thinking of 3 good things that happened each day forces you to scan for the positives.
Practicing gratitude does not mean that you ignore the negative or wear rose-colored glasses. It simply means that you actively search for what is good. Gratitude is a catalyst for positive emotions, triggering a cascade of physiological and psychological changes.